How do you feel about Cabernet Franc wine? I go through phases of liking one varietal over another depending on the time of year, the food pairing, or as I hope in this case, that I find another maker that I fall in love with. Today the test goes to the Lang & Reed 2022 Cabernet Franc. It’s made from more than one California vineyard: Sonoma, Lake County, Mendocino, and Lodi and is 100% Cabernet Franc.
My tasting notes are below, and below that is news from the winery.
Tasting Notes
The color was a very dark red with a lighter edge, and mostly opaque. On the nose the aromas I found reminded me of a mix of red and black cherries, raspberry, blackberry, plum sauce, forest floor, black pepper, sweet cigar, and a medium toasted oak. The flavors, on the other hand, made me think of a perfect balance of dark fruit and spice, with both lingering for a bit on the palate. Upon a second taste I got that earthiness I sometimes find in a Cabernet Franc, and I lingered on that note. Tannins were medium, not too firm. This is a young Cab Franc so it may benefit from some cellar time, though I enjoyed it just fine without decanting.
News:
LANG & REED NAPA VALLEY RELEASES 2022 CALIFORNIA CABERNET FRANC
A Wine Greater than the Sum of its Parts, this Cabernet Franc Expresses a Distinguishable California Spirit
St. Helena, CA – Lang & Reed Napa Valley’s newly released 2022 California Cabernet Franc symbolizes the brand’s almost 30-year quest to explore the distinct charms of Cabernet Franc in California. Facing adversity the past several vintages, from wildfires to pandemic challenges, Lang & Reed recently sought out different viticultural areas in the Golden State. This vintage includes gems that exceeded their expectations and enhanced the profile of the wine that their reputation has been built on.
Lang & Reed’s intention is always to craft a wine greater than any of the individual parts. This Cabernet Franc is sourced from a handful of their historical sites, along with the addition of some new vineyards. T-bar-T Ranch in Alexander Valley in Sonoma remains the underpinning of the wine, planted to the Entav 214 Cabernet Franc clone, which hails from the Loire Valley. Quercus Ranch in Lake County is also part of the main event, along with Cabernet Franc from the Talmage region in Mendocino County and from the Lodi AVA. This vintage achieves the brand’s hallmarks; it has the charm of Cabernet Franc and the drinkability of a Lang & Reed wine.
Autumn impressions of dried leaves and ‘sous bois,’ fresh forest floor, mix with generous black cherry and herb aromas for a dramatic first impression. The engaging scents lead into a medium full-bodied flush of dark fruit, tart cherry, savory flavors that have a fresh texture and a pleasing linger. The wine finishes as it starts with all the pieces coming together.
About Lang & Reed Napa Valley
Located at 1244 Spring St in St Helena, CA, Lang & Reed is one of the few wineries in Napa Valley to specialize in 100% Cabernet Franc and explore the distinct charms of Chenin Blanc. They have long been inspired by and passionate about giving these varieties an opportunity to shine – true to type, pure in flavor. The wine-producing Skupny family has been creating expressive wines that are enjoyable to drink since 1996. Winemaking is a form of storytelling for the Skupny family, and Lang & Reed wines tell a tale of a multi-generational family business and their wonderful wine-filled life together.
Spring House, an historic Victorian that is now home to Lang & Reed’s tasting salon, is right off the hub of St Helena’s Main Street, where Tracey, John, Reed and Megan Skupny offer intimate, appointment-only tastings that allow visitors to get to know the family behind the brand, while they impart their affection for Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. To learn more about Lang & Reed Napa Valley, 2022 California Cabernet Franc and other upcoming wine releases, visit their website(https://langandreed.com/) and follow them on Instagram (@langandreed) and Facebook (@langandreed).
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
